Clearwater police officers recovered about $1,000 in merchandise stolen from two stores at Westfield Countryside shopping center during "Operation Safe Holiday" last weekend.

In one case, officers arrested a man and woman from Holiday who allegedly stole more than $300 worth of clothing from JCPenney. The man also had methadone pills and a stolen ATM card when he was arrested, officials said.

The special detail, held between Thanksgiving and Sunday, was aimed at promoting safety and reducing crashes and thefts at the start of the holiday shopping season.

In all, police issued 183 traffic warnings and 10 traffic citations; arrested seven people on warrants; made three felony and two misdemeanor arrests; seized three vehicles; and took three vehicle crash reports.